Minerva Ruiz Vice President, People & Culture | Chicago Fire FC Website
Minerva Ruiz Vice President, People & Culture | Chicago Fire FC Website
Chicago Fire FC and Major League Soccer have announced that Selim Talbi, head coach of the Chicago Fire Academy U-16 team, is among the 22 coaches who have received their Elite Formation Coaching License (EFCL). This certification is granted in partnership with the French Football Federation.
Talbi has been part of the Chicago Fire Academy since 2018. He recently led the Fire Academy U-15 team to victory in the 2024 MLS NEXT Cup championship held in June.
The EFCL program is recognized as one of the most rigorous soccer coaching courses globally. The fifth edition spanned seven weeks over an 18-month period, concluding at INF Clairefontaine near Paris in August.
Coaches participating in the program were required to submit a final project. This project involved both classroom and on-field instruction, demonstrating their mastery of teachings throughout the course. The projects were assessed based on how well candidates could implement a principle of play within their team or environment.
The EFCL platform has significantly contributed to MLS Homegrown development and has influenced many head coaches, assistants, and general managers across MLS and MLS NEXT Pro. Currently, MLS is collaborating with the French Football Federation for the sixth iteration of this program, set to commence in spring 2025.
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